In 2022, Estonia received 14 000 new immigrants on a long-term or permanent basis (including changes of status and free mobility), 15% more than in 2021. This figure comprises 26% immigrants benefitting from free mobility, 40% labour migrants, 24% family members (including accompanying family) and 10% humanitarian migrants. Around 600 permits were issued to tertiary-level international students and 20 000 to temporary and seasonal labour migrants (excluding intra-EU migration). In addition, 59 000 intra-EU postings were recorded in 2022, compared to 3 000 in 2021. These posted workers are generally on short-term contracts.
Ukraine, Russia and Latvia were the top three nationalities of newcomers in 2022. Among the top 15 countries of origin, Ukraine registered the strongest increase (30 000) and Germany the largest decrease (‑87) in flows to Estonia compared to the previous year.
In 2023, the number of first asylum applicants increased by 35%, to reach around 4 000. The majority of applicants came from Ukraine (3 800), Russia (75) and Belarus (20). The largest increase since 2022 concerned nationals of Ukraine (1 200) and the largest decrease nationals of Russia (‑100). Of the 3 990 decisions taken in 2023, 97% were positive.
Emigration of Estonian citizens to OECD countries decreased by ‑15% in 2022, to 4 200. Approximately 43% of this group migrated to Finland, 10% to Germany and 9% to Sweden.
In 2023, Estonia continued to amend its labour migration policies to facilitate hiring foreign workers and address labour shortages. The Aliens Act amendments, effective 1 January 2023, introduced a new short-term employment residence permit, which is exempt from the immigration quota. Moreover, adjustments were made to salary thresholds for highly skilled professionals, and incentives for hiring foreign workers were introduced for growth companies as defined by law, aiming to retain such companies in Estonia and boost the development of the technology sector.
Investments were made in digital infrastructure to enhance migration surveillance and ensure legal compliance. In 2023, the Migration Surveillance Database (MIGIS) and the Automated Biometric Identification System database (ABIS) went live. MIGIS automates surveillance, aiding officials in enforcing residency laws and preventing misuse. Automated checks ensure up-to-date awareness of third-country nationals staying in Estonia, increasing the ability to react to misuse or irregular stays promptly. ABIS allows to compare biometric data using artificial intelligence, thereby increasing the reliability of identity verification procedures.
In 2022, following Russia’s large‑scale invasion of Ukraine, Estonia implemented various entry restrictions and suspended visa services for Russian and Belarusian citizens. In 2023, a waiver was approved to enable Russian and Belarusian students, doctors, and researchers who were in Estonia before the war to apply for a new residence permit. This waiver is contingent upon passing all required Estonian language exams or completing an Estonian-language curriculum with proficiency at least at level B2. Academic staff are exempt from this language requirement.
Various developments are linked to fostering social cohesion and integration of foreigners in Estonia. In the Estonian Welfare Development Plan 2023‑30, numerous anti-discriminatory and diversity-supportive objectives aim to enhance inclusivity and ensure equal opportunities within the welfare system. These goals encompass initiatives targeting discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, and other factors. Additionally, the plan underscores the significance of fostering diversity and promoting social cohesion through inclusive policies and practices that address the diverse needs of all individuals within society.
Estonia also launched the “Settling in Estonia” life event service, a newly digitalised adaptation journey for newcomers. This service, accessible via the State Services Platform (eesti.ee), offers a comprehensive pathway for new immigrants to navigate various aspects of settling into life in Estonia. It provides a centralised platform where newcomers can access information, guidance, and support related to residence registration, language learning, cultural integration, education, healthcare, driving, and social benefits.
For further information: www.kul.ee | www.siseministeerium.ee | www.politsei.ee | www.emn.ee
